Leading local acts such as comedians Nuala
McKeever and Grimes and McKee, as well as theatrical, street and circus
performers all reflecting Northern Ireland’s history, stories
and culture were involved in presenting each award from the Opera
House stage.

Organised by the NITB in partnership with DiageoNorthern Ireland, the awards cover 11 categories that showcase the
very best in local tourism provision.

The Belmore Court and Motel won the Partner
Initiative category and Commended in the Serviced Accommodation category.

Speaking at the event, Tourism Minister ArleneFoster said: “Northern Ireland is achieving something tremendously
positive as we move through 2012 and into 2013 and beyond.

“We’ve seen substantial investment in
infrastructure projects and important private sector-led developments
including hotels, restaurants and other services. Over 200
publicly funded projects have leveraged new capital investment of some
£300 million.

“I fully recognise that those in the industry have
worked extremely hard to forge new, dynamic and prosperous
businesses that will benefit the visitor, the industry and ultimately
the Northern Ireland economy."

“I congratulate tonight’s winners. They have set
the bar high in terms of quality, customer service and the
visitor experience they are delivering. I encourage others to follow
their lead and make the Northern Ireland tourism industry truly
world-class.”

Awards were presented in a variety of
categories, including Excellent Events, Taste of Northern Ireland and Best
Visitor Experience.

In the Northern Ireland Heroes category, which
acknowledges an individual’s involvement and impact on local
tourism, the award went to Paula McFetridge, artistic director at
multi-award-winning theatre company Kabosh. Paula has created numerous indigenous pieces of
theatre celebrating the best of Northern Ireland.

The Lyric Theatre, which has enjoyed a fantastic
first year in its new landmark building, received the Outstanding
Contribution to Tourism award.

Other award winners included the Causeway Lodge
on the north Antrim coast, which scooped best Serviced
Accommodation, The Dundrum Inn, which won the Taste of Northern Ireland category
and Belfast Zoo, which grabbed the award for Marketing and Sales
Excellence.

NITB Chairman Howard Hastings said: “The
Northern Ireland tourism industry has travelled far over the last number
of years, and has much to celebrate.

“Back in 2004 the industry developed a vision
for Northern Ireland Tourism that cast our five signature projects in
the starring roles. “Following government investment in them, NITB,
working with the industry, has put in place a supporting
infrastructure that animates ‘destination Northern Ireland’ and which has
prepared the tourism product on the ground to deliver a quality
experience for the expected increase in visitors.

“We now have a set of world-class tourism
products, totally unique to us, which is all being brought to life right now
by a fantastic programme of events in the ni2012 Our Time, Our
Place campaign.

“The Titanic Festival alone included 120 events
and we have much, ,uch more to look forward to.”

Diageo sponsored the awards for the fourth year
in a row. Michael McCann, Country Director, Diageo Northern
Ireland said: “Diageo Northern Ireland is delighted to support the
Northern Ireland Tourism Awards for a fourth consecutive year. This
partnership is part of our ongoing commitment to support the development of
a vibrant tourism and hospitality sector.

“At Diageo, we are extremely proud of our
locally produced brands Guinness, Bushmills, Harp and Baileys. They
enrich visitor experiences and are helping to build a lasting
legacy of first class hospitality.

“As the expectations of our visitors continue to
rise, it is important that we make the most of these
opportunities and recognise that we all have a role to play in the continued
development of our tourism industry as a thriving part of a
sustainable Northern Ireland economy.”

The full list of winners was as follows.

>> Outstanding Contribution to Tourism

Lyric Theatre

>> Northern Ireland Heroes

Paula McFetridge - Kabosh

>> Best Event/Festival

Belfast Music Week 2011, Belfast City Council
Winner Out to Lunch Arts Festival Highly Commended St Patrick's Day
Event at Slemish, Ballymena Borough Council Commended The
International Seed Federation (ISF) World Seed Congress 2011, Happening
Conferences and Events Commended